Man convicted of attacking, robbing gambler who won $20K at poker at N.J. casino

A 51-year-old man has been convicted of attacking and robbing a gambler the morning after he watched the other man win $20,000 on a hand of poker in an Atlantic City casino.

Robert Reed was also at the poker table in the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino on March 3 when the bettor was dealt the lucky cards, the Atlantic County Prosecutor’s Office said.

The following morning the two crossed paths again while checking out. Reed, of Newark, told the man he had missed his bus and the gambler offered him a ride to the bus station.

As the two walked to the man’s car in the parking garage, Reed smashed the bettor over the head with a glass wine bottle and then took off with the man’s cash and other possessions, prosecutors said.

Hard Rock security and surveillance later identified Reed by his player’s card information. The victim suffered head injuries.

A jury earlier this week convicted Reed of robbery, aggravated assault, theft and weapons offenses.

Reed faces five to 10 years in state prison when at his sentencing, which is scheduled for July 18.